TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – An international hotel chain, a church, a local construction company and an individual accountant have joined hundreds of Florida businesses as "Partners for Promise" with the Department of Children and Families. Together they are already making a difference in the lives of children, vulnerable adults and families in their communities.

These are just a few of the numerous examples of businesses who have volunteered for this new initiative, which shows that anyone from one person to a multinational company can help. The program, launched in December, now has more than 1,000 partners signed up – and working to help people in need in their local community.

"Businesses all across Florida have signed on to our plan, recognizing that they can make a difference to people who need just a little extra support," said Secretary David Wilkins. "Together, government, businesses, faith-based organizations and community agencies can do so much more than any one of us can do alone. I want to thank every organization that is working with us and encourage other businesses, large and small, to see what they can do to help those around them."

Partners for Promise is a strategic volunteer initiative led by the Department to strengthen Florida’s communities by combining the efforts of government, business, non-profits and faith-based organizations to improve the lives of children and families in need. The program recognizes the ingenuity and compassion so many organizations have shown around the state and provides these ideas as a model to inspire others. Since the Dec. 5 kickoff, more than 1,000 businesses of all sizes have joined to help make a difference in their community.

Westgate Resorts, based in central Florida, is currently working on a program to provide homeless families with housing and employment. Since November, three families with a total of 17 people have moved into Westgate properties and started jobs with the corporation. Westgate is asking partners in the community to join them in a similar endeavor and is partnering with DCF to coordinate a Central Florida meeting to bring corporate, government, and nonprofit entities together to discuss collaborative opportunities.

Mad Dog Construction in Tallahassee currently supports the Renaissance Community Center by donating fees and consulting services for this project, which helps local people who have become homeless. The company also donated their fee and helped bring in other donations for the construction of the headquarters of the Children's Home Society of North Florida. This community-conscious organization has provided significant contributions to the Tallahassee Museum, Habitat for Humanity, Refuge House, and the HOPE Community, a project of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition that offers housing, life skills and job training for homeless families.

First Baptist Church of Naples hosts an annual car care event where they service cars for financially challenged families in Southwest Florida for no charge. The goal is to help those who cannot afford to do a simple thing like changing their oil. They will also inspect the condition of the car for mechanical issues and advise the participants.

Since he began volunteering in Broward County, forensic accountant John Dorony, CPA, has provided technical assistance to Adult Protective Investigators on more than 70 extremely complex financial exploitation cases. Investigators rely on his 28 years of experience to help interpret bank records, financial documents and estate obligations. In addition to his commitment to DCF, Dorony also volunteers with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

"Partners for Promise" encourages Florida's businesses, large and small, to share their time, talent and resources in five areas, the “Five Promises for Florida.”

Promise of Academic Success - Improving graduation rates and educational outcomes for foster children through mentoring, tutoring, service learning projects and the supports necessary for success.

Promise of Family Prosperity - Building a network of support for struggling families that enables them to achieve self-sufficiency.

Promise of Healthy Living - Creating opportunities and providing support that encourages children and families to live healthy lives.

Promise of Child Safety - Focusing greater attention and support on practices and programs that reduce threats to a child's safety or well-being.

Promise to Support our Seniors - Providing life essentials and support to vulnerable adults.